July 3, 1943 – January 12, 2024. After 80 years of well-lived life, George died peacefully with his family by his side. In his last days, he enjoyed many visits, chats, and messages and was thoroughly delighted by all the love. He leaves many good memories--and a story or two--with his wife Vera; son, Derrick (Kim); daughter, Christine (Barry Jackson); granddaughters, Shelby (Craig Myers) and Abby (Dean Carroll); his best buddy and great-grandson, Derrick; as well as his wide circle of family and friends. It’s impossible to adequately sum up a person in a few short paragraphs, but in the end, it’s the essentials that say the most. This is what we know about George: He had a grade eight education but knew plenty about the things that really matter. He was a fisherman. He lived, breathed, dreamed, and talked fishing, both on and off the water. He loved picking mayflowers in spring and cutting firewood in fall. He usually managed to get shop grease on new clothes within a matter of hours. He never lost the knack for being a kid at heart. He loved making music and telling stories. He often miscalculated the ability of a 2-wheel drive on soft ground. He cared deeply about the people closest to him. He also knew how to push their buttons. He was unfailingly generous and undeniably frugal. He loved walking in the woods and gazing at the stars. He was tenacious in every sense of the word. He liked to grow things, but his best crops were usually weeds. He was fond of dark rum. Maybe too fond, at times. He gave the benefit of the doubt and was quick to lend a helping hand. He was good at fixing things, though his approach was often unorthodox. He would strike up a conversation with anyone, whether he knew their language or not. He was as hard on his own body as he was on equipment. He was thoughtful and kind. He could also be exasperating. He was the toughest and the most tender-hearted guy, all at the same time. He outfoxed death on any number of occasions until, on his own terms, he welcomed it. He will be missed. Many thanks to Dr. Bradley, Dr. Campbell, Mallory Peters, and all the staff at Kings County Memorial Hospital who made sure his final days were comfortable, and to the home care staff, first responders, paramedics, and many other health care professionals who provided “the very best of care” over the years. You are all appreciated for the work you do. Completed funeral arrangements to be announced on the Southern Kings & Queens Funeral Home website.
George Elliot MacLEOD — Beach Point
